FitSugar

New iPod Nano Has Built-In Pedometer

FitSugar — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 14:30:40 -0700

The iPod Nano makes it easy to pump up your workouts with music, and now a new version just came out that wants to encourage you to move even more. It has a built-in pedometer! Pretty sweet, huh? As you walk or jog, it counts your steps and tells you how many calories you've burned. Talk about motivation. You'll want to park at the far end of the parking lot just to increase the number of your daily steps. The screen is slightly larger than the older version (2.2 inches), making it easier to see and scroll through your music playlists when on the move. There's also a microphone, so you can record a grocery or to-do list while sweating it out.

Not only that, this new Nano also has an FM radio, so if you prefer listening to your favorite station while exercising, you can. I love that it has a built-in video camera too, so if you see a snake while trail running, you can prove it to your pals. It comes in nine bright colors to suit your taste and it's pretty reasonably priced - 8GB for $149 and 16GB for $179.

If you must have this new iPod Nano, you're in luck. It's available in stores now or you can order one online. I want one, do you?

Nike + iPod Meets Gym Equipment

FitSugar — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 14:45:00 -0800

If you're into walking or running, the Nike + iPod Sports Kit is a must. The sensor fits in your shoe and the receiver clicks into your iPod Nano. It keeps track of your distance, speed, and calories burned and stores all your data online with a quick synch. Now I'm happy to announce that Nike and Apple are teaming up with health clubs and fitness equipment brands like Life Fitness, Precor, Star Trac, and Technogym to make their cardio machines Nike + iPod friendly. Pretty cool, huh?

That means now you can step off the treadmill and track your workouts on an elliptical, a stair stepper, or a stationary bike with your Nike + iPod kit. It may take a while for your gym to get up to speed because they'll need to buy all new equipment or upgrade what they already have, but at least the option is coming.

Source

You Asked: Any Ideas for Music and Running?

FitSugar — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 12:30:00 -0800

You're asking and I'm answering...
Dear Fit,
I am interested in possibly getting an iPod or something similar to use when I work out. I never jumped on the whole iPod train in the first place because the idea of having to pick out songs doesn't appeal to me, since I don't really know what to pick. That's why I like Sirius satellite radio. It exposes me to new music and I don't have to do anything but turn it on. I'd definitely get an iPod to work out with IF there was some sort easy way to download suggested playlists for working out.
-In Need of Tunes Tara

To see what I have to say on the matter, just read more

This is an awesome question since so many people love working out to music. With all the new technology out there, it's hard to know what will best suit your needs. You have two options:

Get an iPod nano - This tiny device can hold either 1,000 songs ($149) or 2,000 songs ($199). It's better to run with a nano rather than a regular iPod, since it uses flash memory and has no moving parts (regular iPods contain a mini hard drive that spins and jolting it around could cause damage). If you get a nano, you can copy all your own favorite music into the iTunes library on your computer, make playlists, and then put them on your nano. OR you can download Sport iMixes from iTunes (you have to buy them for around $15 a playlist).

Another cool thing about owning an iPod nano is that you can buy the Nike + iPod Sports Kit ($29). It comes with a receiver that attaches to your nano and a sensor you wear on your shoe. You can buy Nike + specific sneakers that hold the sensor or you can wear your fave sneakers and attach the sensor with this holder. Then when you run, it keeps track of the time, distance, speed and calories burned. You can even upload your runs to NikePlus.com and track your progress. I use it every time I run and it totally motivates me.
If you don't want to deal with your computer and downloading playlists, and you love Sirius radio, you can purchase portable Sirius radios to run with. The Stiletto 10 ($149.99) allows you to listen to live radio and it can store up to 10 hours of recorded programming. The Stiletto 100 ($199.99) offers a little bit more for your money. You can listen to live radio and store up to 100 hours of pre-recorded programs. You can also go online and purchase music that you can store on it. Sirius portable radios are great if you like your tunes to be a surprise. Just so you know though, after you buy the radio, you still need to pay around $13 a month for the service.

Those are two great options to help incorporate music into your workouts. Just make sure you choose something that will be easy to use and don't be afraid to ask for help. This technology stuff can be hard to figure out at first, but once you learn how, you'll wonder how you ever lived without it.

Fit's Tips: If you're looking for other ideas for music playlists, every week FitSugar posts a playlist and you check them all out here.

Source

Get in Gear: iPod nano Armband

FitSugar — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 14:00:00 -0700

Now that the new third generation iPod nanos have hit the stores, I'm sure many of you have picked one up. They're wider and shorter than the older versions, which makes them even better to use when working out.

Check out the iPod nano Armband. It's flexible, lightweight and protects your precious nano beautifully. If you like to keep track of your runs, the front pocket that holds your nano even has space for the Nike + iPod Sport Kit receiver.

The straps are adjustable, so you can wrap it around your arm or your wrist and have easy access to the controls. Order your iPod nano Armband ($29) from the online Apple Store.

Get in Gear: iSkin Duo

FitSugar — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 15:45:00 -0700

If you've spent a tiny fortune on your iPod Nano, you want to get a case that will really protect it from getting damaged or broken while working out. When I run, mine used to always fall out of my pocket, but I'm totally covered with the iSkin Duo.

The iSkin Duo has 2 layers (hence the name) which equals twice as much protection. The inner layer is made of colored silicone, specially treated to resist dust and lint. I love that it has integrated click wheel protection. It is shock absorbing (for when you accidentally drop it a million times), and protects against moisture (like sweat or rain) and normal wear and tear.

The outer layer is called the VISOR Face Protector. It's made of hard resin and protects the face and screen of your iPod Nano. There is a removable rotary beltclip included, so you can clip it to your pocket or waistband when you exercise.

It protects against both impact and scratching, but is still compatible with Apple's Universal Dock and other similar docking devices. Have I peaked your interest? You can get one for $29.99 directly from the iSkin website.

View 4 Photos ›

Get in Gear: OtterBox Waterproof iPod Case

FitSugar — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 13:30:00 -0700

Do you love to listen to music while you workout? Me too. What about a little rain, does that bother you? Me neither! The only problem is that I don't want to ruin my iPod when I'm out in the rain, and I was using a ziploc baggy to cover it, but then I found this...

It's a waterproof iPod case made by Otterbox. Clever name, huh? Whatever kind of iPod you have -- a Nano, a Shuffle, a Video, a Mini, or a 20gb -- they make a cover for it. Otterboxes are waterproof, dustproof, dirtproof, sandproof, and my personal favorite - DROP-PROOF.

The click wheel is protected by a thin membrane which remains fully functional through the case. Plus there is an external headphone jack attached that fits your headphones, but keeps the water out.

You can use it when you're out running, biking, camping, hiking, kayaking, or whatever - and for $39.95, the Otterbox iPod case protects your iPod no matter what comes your way. Wouldn't you rather spend $40 on a case, instead of $150 or more on an iPod? Yeah, me too.

Sneakers for Your iPod

FitSugar — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 12:30:00 -0700

We protect our feet with sneakers so why not protect your precious iPod with sneakers as well?

This cute little case has sewn-in screen protection, a slim belt clip on the back, as well as a sturdy canvas and rubber design. I have two favorite things about this case -- The first is that it looks like my all-time favorite Chuck Taylor Converse sneakers. The second thing I love is that it is only $7.00 right now! Buy it from SpeckPRoducts.com. FYI: It fits 1st generation iPod nano only.

Get in Gear: Nike+ Sport Armband

FitSugar — Fri, 04 May 2007 02:30:00 -0700

I loved the idea of Nike's armband for the iPod nano - it was great to use while exercising - but you couldn't see the screen, which was kind of annoying. Other people must have complained too because Nike solved the problem.

I'm proud to introduce the new Nike+ Sport Armband for your iPod nano. It has a clear window so you can see the screen, and covered buttons so you can control the tunes and volume easily. If you use the Nike+ iPod Sports Kit, the receiver can plug into your iPod nano and fit inside the case (very cool).

Made with Nike Pro fabric, it's comfortable and washable. It has an adjustable closure so you can get a snug fit to your arm. For $29.95, it'll protect your iPod nano from sweat while working out, and won't get in the way. Right now, it only comes in this grey/black color, but I'm sure they'll be making hot pink ones in no time.

iWalk -- Cool or Not?

FitSugar — Fri, 13 Apr 2007 09:30:00 -0700

Geek's buddy Popgadget just recently posted about the iWalk which is headphones that allow you to slip a first- or second-generation iPod nano into the iWalk's dedicated slot and go. One thing comes to mind, "Look ma, no hands!" Hold on to your gym shorts though. It's not available yet but when it is, it will retail for about $60.

Besides it looking kind of funny, the iWalk could be useful at the gym or while jogging at the park or when jamming to Fresh Prince and Jazzy Jeff on your boom box back in 1983...

Still, I am wondering what you guys think -- iWalk, cool or not?

Sport Grip For Your Nano

FitSugar — Wed, 07 Mar 2007 02:00:00 -0800

Talk about eye candy, these colorful iPod nano cases are not only beautiful, but they protect your precious iPod too.

When I'm running on a treadmill at the gym, I don't need to have my nano strapped to my arm, because I can just place it on the stand in front of me, where the readout is. But because the treadmill is vibrating and the nano is so smooth, it just slips right off and onto the floor.

That is why I bought one of these Sport Grip from Marware made of slip-resistant silicone. It has rounded sides for easy grip (if you prefer to hold it in your hand), and has a clear plastic screen to protect the iPod screen, but you're still able to see your playlist. There is also a hole for the click wheel so you can easily change the song or adjust the volume.

It comes in 10 different bright colors so it's a great way to distinguish your iPod nano from everyone else's. And for $9.95, it's a cheap way to protect it too.